Medical research, technological advancements and a population that is living longer are all reasons that the health care field continues to grow. Although the industry is demanding more workers, there isn’t enough space in training programs to accommodate the numbers of students who are interested.

Thousands of potential students are turned away each semester due to faculty shortages and limited class size. If you find yourself on a waiting list to get into a health care program, consider your options. There are many new jobs that are emerging in this ever-changing field each year, and to meet this demand, colleges are offering new degree programs.

Here are some new health care degrees that are projected to be in high demand in 2009 and beyond:

There is a high demand for people who can help doctors diagnose brain and nervous system disorders. In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor projects a 26 percent increase in jobs in this field by 2014. Electroneurodiagnostic technology is a good option for students looking for a unique and fast-growing health care segment.

“Electroneurodiagnostic technology is the scientific process of recording and analyzing electrical activity in the human brain and nervous system,” explains Forough Ghahramani, dean of business technology and director of electroneurodiagnostic technology at DeVry University in North Brunswick, New Jersey. “As an ENDT technologist, students operate sophisticated EEG equipment to help doctors in diagnosing brain and nervous system disorders such as brain tumors, strokes, sleep disorders, epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease. Due to major technological advances, the demand for skilled ENDT technologists is rising.”

Certificate in Health Services Management (HSM)

A health services management certificate could help you develop a foundational background in finance, marketing and health services that will help move your career forward in this growing field. You’ll learn a variety of management skills that are in high demand in the health care industry that will help you stand out from other candidates for leadership positions.

Associate Degree in Health Information Technology (HIT)

If you have an interest in the health care industry, but you’d rather not work directly with patients, a career in health care technology could be for you. An associate degree in health information technology could be your doorway to a career as a clinical coder, data analyst, patient information coordinator or health record technician.

Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering Technology (BMET)

Biomedical engineering is a career field that will increase at about 26 percent per year through 2012 according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Biomedical engineering technology degree holders work with physicians, therapists and other technicians in the design, construction, implementation and maintenance of sophisticated health care equipment and lifesaving devices.

Shadreck Kabilizya decided to take advantage of the current job market and study biomedical engineering. “The program fits perfectly with what I have always wanted to do because I can apply my passion for technology and use that technology as a tool to help people in the medical field,” says Kabilizya. “The opportunities are endless.”